With the trade deadline just over 24 hours away, rumours are continuously heating up, none more than the possibility of the Winnipeg Jets landing the biggest candidate of them all.
Brock Nelson has been on the trade block for quite some time, but no move has been made due to New York Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello remaining persistent in his asking price and the franchise's desire to possibly re-sign the 33-year-old. He's been keen on a package consisting of a roster player, a prospect and/or a first-round pick.
As the deadline approaches and no contract has been agreed upon, it's become ever more likely that the Islanders part ways with Nelson. A plethora of teams have reported to be interested in acquiring Nelson, but seemingly none more than the Jets.
David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported: "The Islanders will/have presented a contract offer to him. At the same time, several teams have expressed significant interest in trading for him, and offers have included a 1st round pick +. The Tampa Bay Lightning had interest today but pivoted for the Seattle Kraken deal. I believe the Winnipeg Jets are willing to present a significant offer that includes a 1st (if they haven’t formally already) for Nelson."
It has also been reported that Nelson could be interested in staying in Winnipeg beyond this season. The pending UFA is willing to waive his no-trade clause to join the Jets and is seemingly open to discussing an extension. The price is high for Nelson, especially if he's just a rental, but if they can re-sign him to continue to play as their second-line centre beyond this season, the value of the deal increases.
GM Kevin Cheveldayoff acquired two big-name rentals at last year's deadline, and the move did not pay off for him. Trading future assets for rentals can work, but at the steep price tag Nelson has, it's hard to envision Cheveldayoff having no plans of working out an extension.
Nelson would solve a lot of issues for the Jets, plugging into the second-line centre role and providing the Jets with a boost at even-strength scoring. At times they've been too reliant on their power-play, and throughout his career Nelson has been an efficient even-strength scorer. Just one of his 20 goals has come on the power play this season.
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